Best integrated for $500?


I'm looking to finally upgrade my old Onkyo receiver into a good integrated. I have the Onkyo, a Rotel 1072 cd, and a Creek DAC/passive preamp powering my golden, beloved Triangle Titus 202 speakers (on Mapleshade floor stands). I'm leaning towards Rogue Audio for a used integrated, but with my current set-up (and a small room), what would you all suggest for the $500 range (used)?

p.s. before my divorce a decade ago, my system was Maggie 3.6R's powered by an ARC VS-110 fed by a Blue Circle 2.1 pre and a Musical Fidelity cd player. I'll never go back to that level, but I do appreciate a beautiful soundstage.
simao

Showing 1 response by cfluxa

If you're going to go the consumer-grade route, there are reasons to pick up something a bit older on eBay than buy something new at a store - one of them being that the new stuff tends to skimp on quality transformers - you'll find it's much easier to physically lift an Onkyo made in 2010 than one made in 1990... then again, older stuff has its issues too and you may have to deal with replacing aging caps and cleaning old pots.

At any rate, there are classics such as the Audiolab 8000a that would certainly be worth a look. You could also try picking up one of the entry-level Blue Circle integrateds, which pop up every now and then used. I've also heard good things about the Dayens Ampino, if that's enough power.